A TRAINEE pilot who survived a horror US plane crash which killed two friends has made an emotional journey to meet the family who saved his life.

Shaun Thacker, 21, was a passenger in a light aircraft travelling across America when it ran out of fuel, just minutes from its destination.

Fellow student Jaskinder Samra, 21, from Wolverhampton, and US instructor Abraham George, 24, died as they attempted an emergency landing in Murray County, Georgia.

The single engine Cessna Skyhawk hit a tree before buckling in two as it smashed into land owned by Barbie and Junior Cochran.

They raced out to help but could do nothing to save the fatally injured pilots. Miraculously, Shaun survived – despite breaking every bone in his face and right thigh.

The Cochrans had hauled the youngster from Caerwent, near Cardiff, from the wreckage and cared for him until emergency services arrived. He was airlifted to hospital for major surgery but went on to make a full recovery.

This week Shaun travelled with his family to the crash site to remember his lost friends and thank the Cochrans for their help.

“Since the accident I really wanted to visit the crash site to pay my respects to Jaskinder and Abraham,” he told the Sunday Mercury.

“And I wanted to meet the people who saved my life.

“They said they saw the plane bound 150ft in the air, clear a lake and hit the grass on the other side. I found out Barbie spent the first few moments with me then went over to try and help Jaskinder and took her hoodie off, while her daughter Nicole was with me.

“They tried to remove the blood from my face while Junior was trying to get to Abraham.

“It answered a lot of questions and getting my family to see the area was emotional.

“But it’s starting to feel like closure now. I spent about 10 minutes on my own at the crash site and left flowers in respect.”

Shaun and Jaskinder had been planning to travel with instructor Abraham from Orlando, Florida, to Chicago, Illinois, in a 1,000-mile journey to help them pass flying school.

But their plane engine cut out half way through the September 24 flight.

The Cochrans heard the Cessna circling overhead before crashing near their home.

Terrified Barbie first feared the plane had hit her daughters, Tiffany, 16, and 18 year-old Nicole, who had been playing outside.

When she saw her children were safe, they all raced to the plane to help its occupants.

Speaking just after the crash Barbie said the tragedy still haunted her. “I was all sore and shook up,” she said, “It was hard to sleep. I kept seeing the female victim and her face. I’d never felt so helpless in all my life.”

Shaun was probably saved by a quilt he had wrapped around himself before impact.

He was airlifted to Erlanger Medical Centre in nearby Chattanooga after the crash where medics rebuilt his face with metal plates. When he came round he knew nothing of the kind strangers who had rushed towards the mangled wreck and saved his life

And after the recent emotional reunion, the US family had a touching keepsake for him.

Shaun said: “They handed me back the glasses I was wearing at the time, so I’m going to keep them close to me.

“That was very special. I believe we will be friends for life.’’

Shaun has returned to flight school in Florida where he plans to become an instructor before moving back to the UK to fly for British Airways.